05 XLT owner stoked I found this forum

[mustyshackleford]

I recently bought an 2005 XLT 4.0 from a friend for next to nothing. I was in the market for a smaller pickup or suv to use as a work vehicle (project manager for a kitchen and bath renovation company) as I drive ~600-1000mi a week to multiple job sites. Part of my job is picking up and delivering materials and I find myself constantly impressed at what I’m able to fit in the back with the seat folded down. I’m able to carry ~80” glass shower doors easier and safer than I could in my full size truck. So far the only upgrade I’ve made is a set of Open Country AT3’s but I’m excited to do more. Ideally I’d like to do a modest lift and some other mods to make it look a little tougher and capable off road (lots of gravel/dirt roads in my area). I’m stoked I found this community and definitely open to any suggestions!

 

[Rick]

Welcome to the forum. Explorers are definitely handy vehicles they can do a lot of different jobs.

Check out this list of threads for some modification ideas:

List of Useful Threads - Modified 3rd Gen Forum's Best Threads

How-To: Rear Bumper/Hitch Brackets for 3" Body Lift 3rd gen pic's How to: 3rd Gen BODY LIFT Install BWM Brown Wire Mod 3rd Gen How to: 3rd Gen Aussie Locker Install How to install cabin air filter [PICTURES] How to: 1.5" body lift for less than $50 How to: Make your Ford Explorer steering...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Mike65]

Welcome.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum!

 

[ExplorerRider]

I recently bought an 2005 XLT 4.0 from a friend for next to nothing. I was in the market for a smaller pickup or suv to use as a work vehicle (project manager for a kitchen and bath renovation company) as I drive ~600-1000mi a week to multiple job sites. Part of my job is picking up and delivering materials and I find myself constantly impressed at what I’m able to fit in the back with the seat folded down. I’m able to carry ~80” glass shower doors easier and safer than I could in my full size truck. So far the only upgrade I’ve made is a set of Open Country AT3’s but I’m excited to do more. Ideally I’d like to do a modest lift and some other mods to make it look a little tougher and capable off road (lots of gravel/dirt roads in my area). I’m stoked I found this community and definitely open to any suggestions!

Welcome! I too have the 2005 4.0 V6 Explorer 4×4, and I moved my whole house from one rental home to my current one w/my Explorer (and an Impala I used strictly for things like boxes of dishes, silverware, knick-knacks, etc.) The '05 is the best of the 3rd Gens IMO as they're the last of the body style. The timing chain(s) system design isn't the greatest, to be kind abt it, but again, at least you have the '05, & using an OE Motorcraft oil filter w/fully synthetic 5W-30, changed faithfully, will serve you very well! Hopefully you have 17 inch wheels, however, as finding replacement rear tie rod ends/toe compensator links for the factory 16s is a real... It's 'frustrating,' is the second f-word that comes to mind! Hehe! But yeah... Welcome! I've found this forum very helpful!

 

[fordawin]

Welcome! I have the 2024